Biodegradable polymers are increasingly adopted in many applications and industries to replace crude-derived polymers. Currently, the application of biodegradable polymers as binders, sealants, and adhesives is gaining traction, with pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) being a hot area of interest. Healthcare, FMCG, and packaging are the top areas of interest for PSA adoption. Biodegradable polymers are used as PSA in flexible packaging of food, as cosmetic glues and as seed coatings.
The need for biodegradable PSAs in wound care is significant as most adhesive solutions available currently are non-biodegradable or can potentially cause allergies. One of the most common candidates currently used as a tissue sealant is cyanoacrylate, which is non-biodegradable. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance to update its policy regarding the use of animal-derived materials in medical patches and skin formats. Therefore, R&D toward plant-derived biodegradable PSA, naturally inspired polymers, and integrating biodegradability in acrylates and polyurethanes has increased. Apart from replacing animal-derived polymers as adhesives, the drive toward a global circular economy contributes to the reduction in the use of fossil resources and greenhouse gas emissions propelling opportunities for biodegradable PSAs. Additionally, certain properties such as wettability, polarity, cohesion strength, and tack can make biodegradable PSA extremely attractive to end users.
The packaging industry is shifting focus from using synthetic petroleum-derived polymers, which may eventually end up as microplastics to compostable PSA adhesives that break into carbon dioxide and nutrients. These factors push consumers and brand owners to be ever-more conscious about the environment. Many companies are trying to adopt biodegradable materials to design labels and tapes for packaging.
This research service titled, ‘Technology Advances in Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives,' focuses on identifying and analyzing research initiatives focused on the development of new biodegradable PSA candidates for the healthcare, packaging, cosmetics, and agricultural industries. The developments captured in this research service are categorized into three major approaches namely: new material development, introducing biodegradability to existing synthetic polymeric adhesives, and exploring naturally occurring adhesives. The primary focus of researching these materials is to define their biodegradability while not compromising on their binding properties across a wide range of substrates.
The publisher has identified seven key materials with tremendous potential as biodegradable PSAs. 1. Biodegradable polyvinyl alcohols 2. Biodegradable polyesters 3. Polylactides 4. Microbial-derived glues 5. Bio-mimicked adhesives 6. Other emerging materials such as plant oil-based materials 7. Biodegradable polyurethanes and acrylates. While acrylates and polyurethanes are already established as synthetic PSAs, researchers are trying to incorporate biodegradable polymers such as polylactides with these to make these polymers biodegradable. New polymers such as biodegradable acrylated epoxy resin from plant oils, starch, bio- mimicked glues from mussels are investigated to formulate pressure sensitive adhesives. Though biodegradable PSAs would find significant competition from synthetic PSAs, emphasis on sustainability is expected to act as a key driver, primarily in the wound care and flexible packaging areas.
Key Points Discussed:
What are the key biodegradable PSA materials being developed?
- What are the various approaches researched to incorporate biodegradability in polyurethane- and acrylate-based PSA?
- What are the initiatives undertaken to accelerate R&D?
- What are the factors impacting R&D and adoption of PSA?
- What are the growth opportunities for technology developers in the PSA domain?
Table of Contents
1.0 Strategic Imperatives
1.1 The Strategic Imperative 8™Factors creating Pressure on Growth in the Insulation Materials in Industrial Applications
1.2 The Strategic Imperative 8™
1.3 New Material Developments Need to be Emphasized on for Efficient Growth of Biodegradable PSA Technology
1.4 About the Growth Pipeline Engine™
1.5 Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine™
2.0 Executive Summary
2.1 Research Scope
2.2 Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Covered in this Research
2.3 Research Methodology
2.4 Key Findings
2.5 Sustainability Efforts Acts as a Key Driving Factor for Adhesive Development
2.6 Regulations Across the Globe Striving to Promote Biodegradable Adhesives
2.7 Factors Driving Biodegradability in Adhesives for Skin and Wound Care
3.0 Technology Overview
3.1 PVA-Based Pressure Sensitive Adhesives have Established Usage in Biomedical Applications
3.2 Research is Focused on Investigating Biocompatability of PVA Adhesives for Biomedical Applications
3.3 Biodegradable Polyesters Derived from Plants are Being Investigated for Use as Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
3.4 Research is Focused on Investigating Esters of Lactic Acid (Lactones) for Developing New PSAs
3.5 Polylactide- Based Adhesives are Encountering Challenges for Adoption in Wound Care Due to Their Hardness
3.6 New Formulation and Manufacturing Strategies are Being Designed for PLA-based Adhesives
3.7 Microbial Derived Polymers are Being Investigated for Woundcare
3.8 Algae-derived Bioadhesives are Gaining Research Focus
3.9 Biomimicked Polymers from Mussels and Cephalopads are Being Researched for Use in Drug Delivery
3.10 Apart from Mussels, Other Adhesives from Sandcastle Worms and Cephalopods are Being Investigated
3.11 Other Biodegradable Polymers Such as Polybeta-hydroxyorganoate and Hybrids are Also in Research Focus
3.12 Examples of Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Being Tested and Demonstrated
3.13 Vegetable Oil Based Plasticizers and Tackifiers Promote Biodegradability
3.14 Tack, Polarity, Wettability and Biocompatability are Key Functional Attributes
3.15 End Users Demand Firm Adhesion of Candidates Along with Water Resistance and Zero Irritation
4.0 Industry Overview
4.1 Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Have Key Applications in Wound Care, Skincare and Packaging
4.2 Wound Care and Skincare Applications are the Most Predominantly Used Among Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
4.3 Drug Delivery is a Major Research Focus Area for Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
4.4 Sustainable Packaging Requires Excellent Bioadhesion of Labels and Tapes
4.5 Biodegradable Adhesives Can Be Used in Electromedical Applications for Better Electrical Connections
4.6 Agriculture is a Niche Area Currently Wherein Biodegradable PSAs are Being Investigated
5.0 Competitive Landscape
5.1 Need for Biodegradability is a Major Factor Driving Growth of Biodegradable PSAs
5.2 The Push from Venture Capitalists to Develop and Research New Adhesives is Prominent
5.3 Lack of Specific Standards and High Cost of Production of Some Polymers Used in These PSAs Pose Certain Risks
5.4 Key Patents are Focused on Developing Bio-Based Cross-Linkers, Tackifiers, and Other Additives
5.5 Key Properties and Functional Aspects of Biodegradable PSA Candidates Based on Patent Scenario
5.6 Research Publications Showcases Strong Interest Toward PVA, Polyacrylates, and Biomimicked Adhesives
5.7 Polyvinyl Alcohol, Biodegradabl Polyacryates, and Biomimetic Adhesives are Developed for Healthcare
5.8 Partnerships and Collaborations are Aimed at Developing Drug Delivery Adhesives
5.9 Mergers & Acquisitions for New Product Development and Commercialization
5.10 Funding Focused on Development of New Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
5.11 Personal Care Company Initatives and Commitments on Bioadhesives
5.12 Universities and Research Institutes are Testing the Feasibility to Introduce Biodegradability in Urethanes
5.13 Companies Introduce Starting Feedstocks to Develop Polyurethanes and Potential Replacements for Polyacrylates
6.0 Comparative Assessment
6.1 Polylactides Which are Excellent Biodegradable Polymers are Used Significantly in Dressings and Tapes for Wound Care
6.2 Comparision of Key Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
7.0 Future Prospects
7.1 Emerging Biodegradable Materials for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Across Main Applications
7.2 Growth Opportunities of Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives in the Next Five Years
7.3 Application Expansion into Wound Care and Packaging as Expected
8.0 Companies to Action
8.1 A Toyochem Japan (A Part of Toyoink Group) Has Developed a PSA With More Than 80% Recyclable Content
8.2 Acucote Inc. Develops Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Dispersable Labels and Wash Off Adhesives
8.3 Sustainable Adhesive Products Have Launched the BioTak Adhesive With Excellent Tack and Flow Properties
8.4 Mussel Polymers Inc. (MPI) Plans to Demonstrate Its PCS-based Adhesive for Underwater Applications
8.5 Chemence’s Exofin Aims to Introduce Biodegradability Within Cyanoacrylates and Use the Same for Biomedical
8.6 LD Davis is Focusing Primarily on Recycled Gelatin and Testing Its Use in New Applications, Such as Cosmetics
9.0 Growth Opportunities
9.1 Growth opportunity: New Product Development of Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
9.2 Growth Opportunity: Need for Launching New Biodegradable Adhesives in Wound Care
9.3 Product Launches Need to be Associated with Attached Documents Specifying Technology Parameters Related to Biodegradability
9.4 Growth Opportunity: Strategic Partnerships to Build New Manufacturing Facilities
9.5 Growth Opportunity: Technology and IP Protection to Control Commercial Use
10.0 Key Contacts
10.1 Select List of Industry Contacts
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- A Toyochem Japan
- Acucote Inc
- Chemence’s Exofin
- LD Davis
- Mussel Polymers Inc.
- Sustainable Adhesive Products
